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Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Splendid China closing a tragedy

Splendid China was a family theme park featuring more than 60 incredibly detailed replicas of China's most historic landmarks, including a half-mile long Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the modern archeological site of the Terra Cotta Warriors and dozens of other sites and scenes. Sadly, I read on its web site that it closed on December 31, 2003 because of the post 9/11 downturn in tourism.

I found the park fascinating despite the fact that it was 105 degrees the day I visited. I thought the opportunity to see so many beautiful historic places, even in scaled-down versions was truly wonderful, especially since I may never have the chance to see China in person. This type of educational experience is so much more memorable in the long run than a traditional amusement park full of rollercoasters although younger visitors need to have interactivity to stimulate them. When I was there, visitors had already dwindled so many of the scheduled events were scaled back or no longer offered. I love architectural models so I was enthralled anyway but other visitors would probably need additional activities to heighten their interest. I did attend a performance of Chinese acrobats but I think it would have been more intriguing if the acrobats had chosen people from the audience and tried to teach them how to balance the jars and other objects they used in their act. I think having audience participation is critical now days in themed venues since everyone is becoming so used to interactivity with the internet and with modern video games.

I especially enjoyed walking through the 1/3 scale model of the excavation of the terracotta warriors. I had seen the original warriors when the "Tombs of China" traveling exhibit was displayed at the museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. However, seeing even a scaled down version of them still in their trenches was very unique since I doubt that I will ever be able to see the real ones in situ.

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I am passionate about technology, education and history, particularly ancient history. I am constantly exploring ways to use technology to enhance the learning environment and am particularly ecstatic when I can develop a technology to advance the study of ancient history.Follow me on Twitter! Comments or Questions: mharrsch@uoregon.edu

Quotation of the Day

Artist/Historian George S. Stuart Honors Olympics with Manchu Figures

To honor the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Gallery of Historical Figures is hosting the highly-acclaimed Manchu Dynasty Historical Figures® of sculptor and historian George Stuart. Until now, the unique 26-piece group could only be seen in museum exhibits. "What better time to recognize recent Chinese history and to share a westerner's view of it?" said Stuart.

The Manchu Dynasty collection begins with Nurachi, who defeated the ailing Ming Dynasty in 1616 and ends in 1967 with the death of Pu Yi, the last emperor. The 350-year interval is represented by emperors, other royalty, courtesans, warlords, military, reformers, peasants and more. Pictured here is the ill-fated Taiping Emperor Hung Hsiu Ch'üan, self-acclaimed "Brother of Christ".

To assure maximum possible historical accuracy, Stuart collaborated with LU Zhengliang Arts Studio in Suzhou, China on many of the Manchu Historical Figures. LU located and studied many of the original robes and then embroidered the quarter-scale designs on specially selected fabrics.

I was privileged to design the website for artist/historian George Stuart's Gallery of Historical Figures. Mr. Stuart's meticulously detailed historical figures reflect his dedication to accuracy and obvious passion for his subjects.